Description
The Department of Fish and Wildlife has some of the most talented people in the natural resource field.  We celebrate and value diversity, appreciating that a workforce composed of those from different backgrounds and experiences creates an inclusive environment, strengthens positive relationships with the local community, and brings new perspectives and approaches to fulfilling the agency’s mission.

The Washington Department of Fish and Wildlife (WDFW) is dedicated to preserving, protecting and perpetuating fish, wildlife and ecosystems, while providing sustainable recreational and commercial opportunities dependent on viable fish and wildlife populations.  Each day, WDFW employees facilitate fishing, hunting and wildlife viewing opportunities for millions of residents and visitors.  WDFW’s employees–field and laboratory biologists, geneticists, research scientists, hatchery professionals, policy experts, fully commissioned law enforcement officers, land stewards, lab technicians, property acquisition specialists, customer service representatives and others work throughout the state.  WDFW employees protect and restore critical habitat, strive to facilitate species recovery when necessary, and manage hundreds of fish and wildlife species.  WDFW employees maintain nearly a million acres of public wildlife lands. They interpret, apply and enforce state and federal laws and collaborate with stakeholders to protect fish and wildlife resources.  Find out more about us and the important work we are a part of at www.wdfw.wa.gov

This recruitment is for one (1) permanent Scientific Technician 3 position in the Fish Program, Fish Management, Region 6.  The duty station is the Region 6 Office located at 48 Devonshire Road, Montesano, WA 98563

The Scientific Technician 3 assists the Region 6-District 17 fish biologists collecting data necessary for the management of the fish resources in the Willapa Bay watershed.  The technician provides the biologists with data necessary to work with federal, public, and private organizations to facilitate cooperative and effective collection and exchange of fishery and escapement data.  This information is needed to assess stock status, build fishery models, and to forecast salmon returns, which is required for the North of Falcon/PFMC process.

DutiesWorks with Stock Assessment Biologist (Fish and Wildlife Biologist 2) to plan weekly schedule, lead daily crew activities, and conduct salmon and steelhead spawning ground surveys according to Region 6 – District 17- Willapa Bay procedures and protocols.

The purpose is to collect data used to estimate stock status of hatchery and natural populations by measuring abundance, productivity, diversity, and spatial distribution of salmon and steelhead on the spawning grounds.  These data are used to calculate the natural spawning escapement of each salmonid stock by origin within the Willapa Bay watershed in Pacific County.

Tasks include:

Fieldwork requires identifying, recording, and monitoring of salmonid redds and carcass recovery (live/dead fish counts) within selected reaches. These data are recorded on field forms, which may include GPS locations and mapping.

Maintains accurate and timely field records to meet data and management needs.  Summarizes and enters spawning ground data into Willapa Bay Access databases.  Develops and edits Access queries to consolidate data, error check datasets (QA/QC), and assist in preparing reports.  Assists Stock Assessment Biologist (F&W Biologist 2/Supervisor) with spawning escapement estimates for salmonids in Willapa Bay in a timely manner.

Biological collection of dead fish includes sampling for adipose and dorsal fin mark status (determines hatchery or wild), scale sampling (for age and origin), coded wire tags (stock composition and origin), opercle punch, t-tags, jaw tags, genetic (DNA) tissue samples, and/or other biological samples as needed.

Works with Stock Assessment Biologist (Fish and Wildlife Biologist 2) to plan and develop a daily/weekly schedule for the spawning ground survey crew.  Leads the spawning ground crew in daily activities and provides assistance/advice for accomplishing surveys.

Assists the Willapa Bay Biologists in training and implementing proper protocols for spawning ground surveys (SGS) and/or marine creel surveys.  Including identifying productive spawning habitat unique to salmonid species and understands the various life history stages for each salmonid species in Willapa Bay.

Downloads all GPS data on a weekly basis; creates, enters and error checks collected data; assists the Stock Assessment Biologist in uploading the data into ArcGIS; assists in creating layers within ArcGIS and inspects all GPS units for proper function and accuracy.

Keeps supervisor informed daily regarding the status of work projects and emerging issues, which may include personnel issues, scheduling complications, and other WDFW programs such as Enforcement, Habitat, and Wildlife.

Maintains public contacts and continues positive relationships with all landowners to assist staff in gaining access to surveyed river reaches.
Salmon and steelhead spawning ground surveys are generally conducted on foot, but the use of rafts, pontoon boats, drift boat, or jet-boats may be required.  Fieldwork is performed in inclement weather, within varying stream flow conditions, and can be strenuous.  Fieldwork is physically demanding with some surveyed reaches greater than 10+ miles per day. Walking along streams in varying weather conditions on slick surfaces, wading riffles, and maneuvering watercraft requires moderate strength, agility, and ability. Trail locations to and from stream reaches may be equally as physically challenging. Lifting equipment and objects up to or greater than 40 pounds may be required.

Implements and maintains temperature probes and scour chains throughout the Willapa Bay watershed when necessary.  Records and enters results into an Access database in a timely and accurate manner.

Work hours vary due to inclement weather, stream flow patterns, degree of spawning activity, length of daylight hours, and other factors.

Driving to stream survey locations requires travel on state and county roads, as well as local travel along streams on private (logging) roads throughout the district. Depending upon specific project locations, the percent of travel time may fluctuate daily.  All travel will be conducted using state agency vehicles. Operators must comply with all WA driving laws and any rules forwarded by agencies, public and private landowners. Always operate vehicles in a safe manner adjusting according to road and weather conditions.

Assists in conducting recreational creel surveys in the marine area of Willapa Bay according to Region 6 District 17 Willapa Bay procedures and protocols.  

The purpose is to collect data from the recreational salmon fishery in the Willapa Bay marine area. These data will be used to estimate landed catch, effort (CPUE), species origin, encounter rates of released Chinook and/or Coho, and calculate species abundance by mark type of each salmonid stock within the Willapa Bay marine area.

Tasks include:
Operation of a motorized vessel, identifying, recording, and sampling of salmon species is required for landed salmon in the marine recreational fishery.  These data are recorded on field forms.

Biological collection of dead fish includes sampling for adipose and dorsal fin mark status (determines hatchery or wild), coded wire tags (stock composition and origin), opercle punch, t-tags, jaw tags, genetic (DNA) tissue samples, and/or other biological samples as needed.

Assists in conducting hook and line sampling of Chinook salmon in the Willapa Bay marine area for genetic/DNA collection.  Identifies various sport fishing gear types and techniques used in the recreational marine fishery and understands various life history stages for species identification.

Maintains accurate and timely field records to meet data and management needs.  Data summarization and data entry is crucial.  Assists in training other field staff. Provides input to improve data collection.

The marine recreational creel will be conducted at the public fishing boat launches and marina locations throughout Willapa Bay.  Fieldwork is performed in inclement weather within varying times (days).  Fieldwork is physically demanding due to long days standing and walking.

Keeps supervisor informed daily regarding the status of work projects and emerging issues, which may include personnel issues, scheduling complications, and other WDFW programs such as Enforcement, Habitat, and Wildlife.

All travel will be conducted using state agency vehicles. Operators must comply with all WA state driving laws and any rules forwarded by agencies, public and private landowners. Always operate vehicles in a safe manner adjusting accordingly to road and weather conditions

Maintains public contacts and continues positive relationships with the public as work involves direct contact with recreational fishermen.

Working Conditions
The hours of work are 7 – 4, 40 hours per week; weekend, holiday, and evening work may be required. The primary work environment is outdoors and physically demanding.  Work hours can vary due to inclement weather, river conditions, access, and fish densities.  Field sampling start and end times usually fall outside of the normal 7 – 4   work schedule. There is no over-night work.

The primary work environment is outdoors and physically demanding. During spawning ground surveys the job involves considerable driving and hiking into remote areas on private and public timberlands.  Walking along streams on slick boulders, wading riffles, or maneuvering watercraft requires moderate strength and agility. Lifting equipment up to and or greater than 40 pounds may be required. Work includes wet/slippery environment, potential loud noise, close quarters, and potential repetitive work for long periods of time.

Union
This position is covered by a collective bargaining agreement between the State of Washington, Department of Fish & Wildlife, and the Washington Association of Fish and Wildlife Professionals (WAFWP).

QualificationsGraduation from high school or GED, including one year of high school science and two years of experience as a Scientific Technician 1.    OR

Graduation from high school or GED including one year of high school science and two years of laboratory or field experience as an assistant to a biologist, chemist, or zoologist.

College course work involving major study in biology, zoology, fisheries, chemistry, natural sciences, or closely allied field will substitute, year for year, for experience, provided the course work includes at least six semester or nine quarter hours of natural science classes.

Experience is based on full time equivalency (i.e., 40 or more hours/week). Part time work is prorated (e.g., 20 hours/week for 6 years= 3 years of experience). Do not count experience that was a part of your educational requirements.

Required Experience:

• Background in elementary biology, in-the-field salmonid identification, and spawning ground survey methodologies.
• Understand basic field sampling techniques, procedures and sample rates.
• The ability to clearly and concisely fill out field data forms.
• Ability to follow oral and written instructions, have good communication skills, and able to interact with the general public and co-workers. Ability to work well alone or in small groups.
• Have a flexible work schedule to meet project timelines.
• Able to work in varying weather conditions.
• Able to sample dead fish regardless of their condition.
• Valid Driver’s license.
• Proficient in MS Office.
• WDFW MOCC Certification or equivalent.

Preferred/Desired Qualifications:

• Knowledge of salmonid species, their spawning behavior, general life histories, fishery management methods, spawning ground survey methodologies, and familiarity with the geography of the Willapa Bay basin.
• Excellent inter-personal skills that allow them to build and maintain good working relationships with state and federal organizations as well as with the public. These skills will be necessary to successfully address sometimes contentious issues in the field with hostile fishermen while maintaining communication, good will, and productivity among co-workers, biologists from other agencies, and the public. These skills include listening, patience, understanding, and self -control.
• The ability to communicate effectively both verbally and in writing is essential.  Verbal skills will be employed in communicating ideas in technical discussions with other biologists over the phone and in person. A commitment to accuracy in detail is important for recording and summarizing field notes.

Supplemental InformationTo apply for this position you MUST complete your profile at www.careers.wa.gov and attach the following to your profile before completing the online application:

A cover letter describing how you meet the qualifications of this position (generic cover letter will not be accepted)

A current resume (please make it succinct)

Three professional references (personal references do not count as professional)

Please note:  Failure to follow the above application instructions will lead to disqualification.  E-mailed documents will not be accepted in lieu of attaching your documents to the online profile.
Upon submission of your online application, you will immediately receive a confirming e-mail.  You will then be notified via e-mail of your status during the process.  In addition to the e-mail notifications, you can check the status of your application at any time by visiting your online profile at www.careers.wa.gov.  Due to the high volume of applications that we receive, we ask your understanding and encourage you to use the online process and avoid calling for information.

The Department of Fish and Wildlife is an equal opportunity employer.  We strive to create a working environment that includes and respects cultural, racial, ethnic, sexual orientation and gender identity diversity.  Women, racial and ethnic minorities, persons of disability, persons over 40 years of age, disabled and Vietnam era veterans and people of all sexual orientations and gender identities are encouraged to apply.  Persons needing accommodation in the application process or this announcement in an alternative format may call (360) 902-2276 or the Telecommunications Device for the Deaf (TDD) at (800) 833-6388.